First Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon held in Pasadena

PASADENA - Rock bands and cheerleaders encouraged thousands of runners as they made their way down a 13.1-mile route at the inaugural Pasadena Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

The event combined elements of a half marathon, concert and block party into a single day of activities centered on the Rose Bowl and with the goal of helping children suffering from a little-known illness.

The race is part of the 14-year-old Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. With the addition of a Pasadena race this year, the series is now held in 23 cities throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada.

The route was lined with stages for musical performers, as well as cheerleaders, providing a different atmosphere for runners accustomed to more traditional races.

"It's really great to get the support while running," said 37-year-old Bryan Ramos of Montrose, who ran in the event in San Diego in 2005.

"When you're out there and you're hurting, it really helps," Ramos said. "It's a big motivation. It just gives you a little adrenaline."

He added that he was glad Pasadena is joining in.

"I'll definitely be back next year," Ramos said.

Participants came from throughout the region, the nation and even the world.

"The bands are awesome, and the cheerleaders, so nice," Bartholomew said. "The energy's so different."

The scenic route snaked through Old Pasadena and downtown areas and took runners past landmarks such as the Colorado Street Bridge. Several hills along the route posed an extra challenge to runners.

Thomas Rivers, 16, said the race was both challenging and fun.

After crossing the finish line, he described the event as "a great experience."

"I'm a little bit tired, but I feel proud of myself," Rivers said. "All the running and training paid off."

The festivities and encouragement along the route made the race special, he added.

"It really helps you out at your toughest moments, when you're about to start walking," he said. "It really motivated me to go a little harder."

Rivers, a track-and-field athlete at Temple City High School, waited for his mother and her friends, who were taking the race at a slower pace.

In addition to eight stages set up along the route, a large stage was erected on the lawn in front of the Rose Bowl for a post-race concert by rock group Sugar Ray, who invited the audience to sing along to hits such as "Every Morning," and "Someday."

Awards were handed out to the top three competitors in the men's and women's races and the wheelchair divisions.

The men's champion was Sergio Reyes of Palmdale, who completed the course in 1 hour, 5 minutes, 24 seconds. The women's winner was Yuri Kano of Japan, who finished in 1:14:36.

In the men's wheelchair division, Mike Tagliapietra of Mesa, Ariz., won with a time of 1:22:30. Sandi Rush of Oceanside claimed the first-place spot in the women's wheelchair division in 1:28:47.

And although countless participants said the half marathon provided a great time, it also raised money to help children affected by mitochondrial disorders.

The race benefited Cure Mito, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting illnesses related to the mitochondria within cells. Effects of the diseases can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Michelle Machado, 40, of Glendora and Elsa Yedinak, 29, of Moorpark cheered on runners near the finish line with their children, ages 6 and 2, who both suffer from mitochondrial disorders.

"Our biggest hope is that it will raise awareness," Machado said, adding that early detection can mean much-improved quality of life.

Yedinak said she was also glad to see mitochondrial disorders chosen as the beneficiary of Pasadena's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

"It's a great way to get the word out to the local community," she aid. "Diagnosis is so important for our kids."

At its races over the past 14 years, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series has attracted more than 75,000 runners and raised nearly $250 million for a variety of charities.